Oceania Cruises floats out new ship Allura at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy
Oceania Cruises‘ new ship, the second vessel in the new Allura-class and a sister ship to Vista, has been floated out at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy.
The 1,200-guest Allura was floated from her construction drydock and moved to the fitting-out berth to begin the creation of her interiors.
The float out marks the first time the ship has touched water, and also the end of the exterior construction phase of her build.
In a traditional maritime ceremony, Allura was blessed by the shipyard’s chaplain, Father Stefano and christened by Caterina Romeo, a designer in Fincantieri’s technical department, endowing blessings upon the vessel and all who embark upon her.
The ceremony was held as a low-key affair in deference to the recent passing of General Claudio Graziano, Chairman of Fincantieri.
“Our hearts and minds are with the entire team at Fincantieri as they mourn the passing of General Graziano,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises.
“The float out is an important moment for all at Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri, as we progress closer to Allura joining our family,” he added. “We are excited to get started on her interior. We have lots of exciting enhancements on Allura, our eighth vessel, further elevating our offerings and firmly cementing Oceania Cruises as the only ultra-premium cruise brand.”
Allura will enter service with a maiden passenger voyage from Trieste, Italy, on July 18th, 2025, sailing to Athens, Greece, and visiting Rijeka, Croatia; Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro.
Following her summer season in the Mediterranean, Allura will sail to Canada and New England for a series of voyages in North America before her inaugural winter season in the Caribbean, homeporting in Miami.
Allura features a number of changes and enhancements for the Allura class, including a new onboard crêperie, serving freshly made-to-order crêpes and waffles, as well as decadent ice cream sundaes in the afternoon.
The ship also boasts a luxurious new library, featuring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, oversized chairs and plush residential furnishings, located just steps away from LYNC Digital Center, the ship’s digital and social hub, as well as the ever-popular Horizons lounge and bar.
When it comes to onboard dining, Allure features one chef for every 10 guests, with 50% of crew members dedicated to culinary experiences across five specialty dining venues, including the line’s newest signature restaurants, Ember and Aquamar Kitchen, at no extra cost.
Oceania Cruises is known as a foodie cruise line, and Allure like Vista will feature an expansive hands-on Culinary Center and accompanying Chef’s Studio, where epicurean secrets will be shared by the talented onboard chef instructors.
During each cruise there will also be a range of enrichment offerings, including art classes at Oceania Cruises’ much-loved Artist Loft, numerous guest speakers and sommelier demonstrations during exclusive Sommelier’s Choice and Cellar Master’s Classic Wine Pairing Luncheons.
